COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines

YWCA USA | 2023 National Conference

Overview

YWCA USA is focused on ensuring a safe and productive experience for all conference participants. Consistent with updated CDC guidance we are shifting our focus to personal responsibility. YWCA USA will not request vaccination status or test results; rather, we expect that all attendees will obtain a negative COVID test before the meeting and monitor their personal health during the event. If an attendee does not feel well for any reason or tests positive for COVID-19, it is their responsibility to withdraw from all in-person proceedings.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 is to follow a multi-layered health and safety approach. Below are best practices that we strongly encourage for all in-person attendees:

  • Being vaccinated and having had all available boosters.

  • Taking an at-home antigen test no more than 24 hours prior to arriving at a meeting or a PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to arriving at the meeting.

  • Wearing a well-fitting mask during meeting activities.

  • While masking is not required at this time, we will be tracking local infection rates. YWCA USA reserves the right to mandate masking when the CDC transmission rate is “high” in the county where a meeting is being held.

  • Physical distancing from others when possible.

  • Practicing good hygiene and hand washing.

For Recent COVID-19 Infections:

Before attending a YWCA USA meeting in person, we ask that you follow the CDC guidelines for ending isolation:

  • Isolate for at least five days after first symptom onset or positive COVID-19 test.

  • If you had a mild illness: can end isolation after five days if you are fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving.

  • If you had a moderate illness (experienced shortness of breath or difficulty breathing): can end isolation after 10 days.

  • If you had a severe illness (were hospitalized): can end isolation after 10 days.

  • Regardless of illness severity, wear a well-fitting mask for at least 10 days after symptom onset or a positive COVID-19 test.

  • Take an at-home or pharmacy supervised antigen test (not a PCR test) prior to meeting entry, as you may continue to test positive on a PCR test for several weeks after recovery.

COVID-19 Resources for Attendees:

There will not be testing available on site. We will have a limited number of self-tests available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own tests.

A supply of masks will also be on hand, but we similarly encourage attendees to pack their own well-fitting masks. Sanitizing stations will be available throughout meeting locations and cleaning of shared surfaces will be conducted at regular intervals.


If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 protocols, please email Conference@ywca.org and we will respond or connect you with the appropriate resource.

YWCA USA COVID-19 Guidelines | 2023 National Conference

Last Updated: April 2023


Welcome To Washington D.C.

National Conference isn’t about YWCA USA, it’s about our broad network of local YWCA associations that implement the work at the local level for women, families, and people of color every day. It’s a time for our Local Associations to share, as a community of learning, and to walk away inspired by each other and the work of the YWCA family. It is a time for the YWCA movement, united as One YWCA, to share and celebrate our history, our mission and impact, planning for the work ahead, and continuing to write our YWCA story.